Baseball Notebook: Dec. 18
12/18/2009 7:00:00 AM | Baseball
Dec. 18, 2009
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News, notes, quotes and photos from happenings around the Maryland baseball program.
Team makes visit to Walter Reed Hospital
Earlier this week, the team visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C., which provides health care for military service members in the D.C. area. Head coach Erik Bakich organized the trip to see some of the service men and women who have been wounded overseas and show appreciation for their personal sacrifices. The team passed out shirts, hats, jackets and other apparel as part of the holiday season.
Gentzler, team "Delta Force" winners of Omaha Challenge
The baseball team took part in The Omaha Challenge, an off-season skills competition, earlier this month. Following fall practice, the team competed in four days of tough drills and activities that tested the physical abilities of each player. The competition, which includes speed, strength and skills competitions, concludes with an obstacle course on the final day that combines all the previous events into one.
Senior RHP Dan Gentzler was the overall winner, while senior OF Mike Rozak was the winner for position players. Team "Delta Force," captained by senior RHP Blair Delean, won the overall team competition. The team was also comprised of freshman OF Jordan Hagel, sophomore RHP Rich Landa, junior RHP Damien Akins and senior OF Kevin Tehansky.
"Every player has improved their strength, speed, athleticism and baseball skill in preparation for the upcoming season," said Bakich. "We take great pride in outworking the competition and that is exactly what this team has done."
Facility upgrades near completion
One of the first phases of upgrades of the baseball facilities is nearing completion. An indoor training facility that includes batting cages and pitching mounds, one of Bakich's first priorities upon arrival at Maryland, is scheduled to be completed by late January.
A new outfield windscreen and renovated locker rooms are among the next short term goals on the list to be addressed as additional donations are received.
To support Maryland baseball and find out what else coach Bakich has in store for the program, check out the Home Run Club. The groups' activities provide a tangible and consistent way to focus fan enthusiasm and support into specific initiative to benefit the baseball program. For more information, please click here.
